Four Pro-Gun Bills Clear House Committee in Louisiana Despite the Current Crisis

Four pro-gun bills are headed to the floor of the House after clearing the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee. The measures will be put to the vote tentatively on Wednesday, 20, or the day after. The proposed laws aim to protect the Second Amendment rights during emergencies such as the current COVID-19 crisis. Surprisingly, the current crisis has not stopped Louisiana legislators from executing their duties.

House Bill 746 allows individuals to carry concealed firearms during a declared state of emergency or in the course of a mandatory evacuation. Rep. Ray Garofalo introduced the bill.

House Bill 781 declares businesses involved in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of firearms and ammunition as “Essential Businesses.” Such entities shall not be prohibited from operating during a state of emergency or disaster. Rep. Blake Miguez introduced the bill.

House Bill 140 establishes preemption within the state. Under this legislation, local authorities and municipals are prohibited from enacting and imposing gun control legislation within their jurisdictions. The law intends to prevent the proliferation of gun laws within the state, creating a patchwork of regulations that are hard to navigate. Many lawful gun owners find themselves confused by conflicting gun laws. This situation turns law-abiding citizens into criminals by entrapping them in a labyrinth of gun laws. Rep. Blake Miguez introduced the bill.

House Bill 334 allows a licensed concealed firearm owner to carry a handgun in places of worship such as churches, mosques, synagogues, and other sacred places. Reps. Blake Miguez, Bryan Fontenot, and Charles Owen cosponsored the bill.

The passage of these bills will be a huge milestone not only in preserving the constitutional rights of Louisianans, but also ensuring the safety of the people during emergencies and in places of worship. Having the position of the state regarding firearms during a disaster clarified in the constitution will also prevent emergency abuse, as has been the trend in many places during the current crisis.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is pushing universal background checks in our state, and if left unchecked, it will not be long until we see bills like this getting traction in Austin. Texas is embarrassingly ranked 29th for gun rights, and with the help of the political elites in Austin, we will surely rank among New York, California, and Illinois if left to their own devices. Please join our fight today, and help us restore Texas' place as the standard for the U.S.